Electric Map

Illuminating Stonewall Jackson’s famous Valley Campaign of 1862!

The Electric Map is a vertical 14-foot relief map of the Shenandoah Valley from the Pennsylvania line to Staunton. It uses more than 300 LED lights and sequences to indicate the movements of the competing armies, coordinated with photographs and pictures of military leaders and scenes. The accompanying narration will help you understand Jackson’s maneuvers during his famous Valley Campaign.

The map has been entertaining and educating audiences since it was created for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Centennial Commission by the staff of Joseph Ney’s department store in downtown Harrisonburg. Dedicated on March 23, 1962, the cash book lists 30 viewings with sales and donations totaling $45.80 for the remainder of that month. In October 1968 ownership of the Electric Map was acquired by the Historical Society. Now over 50 years old, the Electric Map is an artifact itself. Unique to a bygone era of museum displays, the lighting and original soundtrack provide a retro ambiance for the visitor.